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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Spanning more than 60 miles (95 kilometers) in and around San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to beaches, former military posts, hiking trails, and historic landmarks—including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers will all find something to delight them at the various sites.
The Basics
Part of the National Park Service, GGNRA encompasses most of the Pacific coastline and the San Francisco Bay waterfront in San Francisco and neighboring Marin County. The park is rich with major attractions, including Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, the Presidio of San Francisco and Fort Point (at the southern base of the Golden Gate Bridge), Ocean Beach, and Fort Mason. The Presidio, Crissy Field, and Fort Mason offer grassy areas where you can enjoy a scenic picnic. Outdoor activities abound as well: in San Francisco, the best way to experience a swath of the GGNRA is an outdoorsy tour such as biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, or taking an urban hike through the Presidio or along the coast to the Cliff House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Golden Gate NRA is a must for all first-time visitors to the area, especially outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers.
- The park headquarters are at Fort Mason, with visitor centers at the Presidio, Marin Headlands, Lands End Lookout, and Golden Gate Bridge.
- Admission fees are required for Alcatraz and Muir Woods only. Book well in advance to ensure admission.
- You can buy food and beverages at several restaurants in the Presidio, as well as at cafés or kiosks at Crissy Field, Lands End, and Fort Mason.
- Bring layers and sun protection, as the wind, fog, and sun are unpredictable on the coast.
- Many sights in the park are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
In San Francisco, the MUNI bus system and light rail lines service most of the GGNRA’s top sights. To check out locations in Marin, you’ll want your own car to travel along Highways 1 and 101. Most key sights have free or paid parking lots, which are typically open from sunrise to sunset.
When to Get There
The Golden Gate NRA is open and lovely year-round; sights’ hours vary. For many attractions, especially Alcatraz and Muir Woods—two of the area’s most popular—go in the early morning to beat the crowds. Perhaps surprisingly, in San Francisco July and August can bring fog and cooler temperatures to the coast. The best chance of sunshine and warm, dry weather is in September and October. Winter often offers a mix of rainy and clear days.
Golden Gate Park
Despite its name, San Francisco’s biggest urban park is not part of the Golden Gate NRA, but it’s adjacent to Ocean Beach and just a few blocks from the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. Stretching nearly half the width of the city, Golden Gate Park features world-class museums, a Japanese tea garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, a golf course, lakes, bike and walking trails, lush lawns for lounging, two windmills, and even a bison paddock.
Address: Building 201, 1st Floor, Fort Mason, San Francisco 94123, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 55
Goleta
Goleta is a small coastal town west of Santa Barbara, CA. The town has a mild climate with temperatures typically within 10 degrees of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and warm winds, making this a pleasant place to live or vacation. The town hugs the coast providing plenty of opportunities for enjoying the beach as well as swimming and other water activities. The nearby Santa Ynez Mountains make for a picturesque backdrop. They are also the source of the warm, or sometimes even hot, winds that blow in occasionally.
Many of Goleta's residents commute into Santa Barbara to work at a variety of companies or at the University of California Santa Barbara. The town is also known for its Monarch Butterflies. In October each year the butterflies return to Goleta from their summer home and congregate in massive colonies in the Eucalyptus trees in the Goleta Butterfly Grove.
Practical Info
Goleta is located 10 miles west of Santa Barbara and can be reached by US Highway 101.
Address: Goleta, California, USA
From $ 105
Gloria Ferrer Vineyard
If you like your tasting glass to sparkle, save time in your wine country itinerary for a visit to Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Located in the Carneros region of Sonoma County Wine County, Gloria Ferrer was the first sparkling wine house to plant roots in the area back in the early 1980s. Most of the 335-acre estate is dedicated to Pinot Noir.
Guests have a number of options depending on how much time they have to sip. Daily 40 minute tours present a winery history and an introduction to the traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wine-making process used at the winery. Food and wine pairing tours lasting 90 minutes are also offered by appointment.
The winery’s Vista Terrace comes with photo-worthy wine country views. On a sunny day, it’s the place to sip and stay awhile.
Practical Info
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards are located on Highway 121 in Sonoma, 40 miles north of San Francisco. The Visitor Center is open daily 10am to 4:45pm. Reservations are required for tastings and tours for parties of eight and larger.
Address: 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California 95476, USA
Hours: Visitor Center open daily 10am to 4:45pm
From $ 399
CBS Television City
Set behind The Grove (L.A.’s most popular mall) and the Original Farmer’s Market, this television studio complex in the Fairfax District is often defined by its long lines of tourists and local visitors waiting to snag seats to a show taping. Open since 1952, Television City is now home to eight separate studios, which host shows like American Idol, The Young & the Restless, The Price is Right and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher.
Built on the site of the former Gilmore Stadium (once part of neighboring Pan Pacific Park), this series of black and white planes mixed with glassy cubes was designed by Pereira & Luckman, the architects behind LAX’s distinctively futuristic “Theme Building,” which now houses the Encounter Restaurant & Bar. Television City is now one of two CBS TV studios in the L.A. area, the other being CBS Television Center in Studio City.
Built on the site of the former Gilmore Stadium (once part of neighboring Pan Pacific Park), this series of black and white planes mixed with glassy cubes was designed by Pereira & Luckman, the architects behind LAX’s distinctively futuristic “Theme Building,” which now houses the Encounter Restaurant & Bar. Television City is now one of two CBS TV studios in the L.A. area, the other being CBS Television Center in Studio City.
Address: 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, USA
Hours: Shows are taped Mon-Fri, times vary
From $ 20
Cathedral of St John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, a Roman Catholic establishment, is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah. The colonial charter of the city originally prohibited Roman Catholics from settling here for fear they would be more loyal to the Spanish authorities, but after the American Revolution, the prohibition on Roman Catholics began to fade.
French Catholic immigrants escaping slave rebellions in Haiti established Savannah’s first parish just before the end of the 18th century. As the number of Catholics continued to increase in Savannah, a second church was dedicated in 1839 and construction on the new Cathedral of St John the Baptist began in 1873. It was completed in 1896 as the spires were added.
Although the cathedral was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1898, it was painstakingly rebuilt and rededicated in 1900, when it also received new murals and decorations. Restoration and renovations continued on throughout the reign of several bishops, and among the most significant elements that remain today are the stained glass windows.
Practical Info
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is located at 222 East Harris Street. Mass is held at noon and 5:30pm on Saturday; at 8am, 10am and 11:30am on Sunday; and at 7:30am and noon Monday through Friday. Mass is available on holy days at 7:30am, noon and again at 6pm. Confessions can be scheduled or are available on Saturdays from 11 to 11:45am and from 4:15 to 5pm.
Address: 222 E Harris St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA
Hours: Vary
From $ 32
Barton Springs
A visit to Barton Springs Pool in Austin’s sprawling Zilker Park is a treasured experience for both Austin locals and visitors. The pool, which is more than 3 acres (1.2 hectares) in size is the result of a naturally occurring underground-fed spring. Generations have enjoyed the fresh, cool water, which stays a constant temperature of about 68°F (20°C).
The Basics
Located in Zilker Metropolitan Park near downtown Austin, the natural limestone pool ranges from dip-your-toes-in to more than 18 feet (5.5 meters) deep. You might encounter fish and turtles, and it’s home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. There’s a diving board, and a grassy area for sunbathing, and lifeguards on duty. Combine your trip to Barton Springs with an Austin bike tour that ends with a dip in the pool.
Things to Know Before You Go
- During most guarded swim times, there are is a fee with discounts for seniors, youth, residents, and veterans.
- Food, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
- Lifeguards are on duty for much of the day.
How to Get There
Barton Springs is within Zilker Park, which you can access from Barton Springs Road. It’s immediately southwest of downtown Austin across the Colorado River. From downtown, take Congress Avenue south across the Congress Avenue Bridge, which turns into 1st Street. Turn right on Barton Springs Road, and look for Zilker Park signs and the pool. Parking is available near the pool (there’s a parking fee on weekends).
When to Get There
From March through September, the pool is open 5am to 10pm daily, with a lifeguard on duty during posted hours each day (you can swim for free at your own risk outside of these hours). The pool is closed Thursday from 9am to 7pm for cleaning and habitat maintenance. Given the cool temperature of the water, summer is the best time for a dip.
Did You Know?
Barton Springs has a fascinating history. Robert Redford is said to have learned to swim at the pool at age 5. Topless sunbathers were common in the 1970s. Barton Springs is home to the Barton Springs salamander, an endangered, federally protected species. And it’s never been more popular: a record-setting 800,000 visitors have enjoyed Barton Springs Pool in recent years.
Address: 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78746, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Cave of the Winds
At the Cave of the Winds observation decks, thrill-seeking visitors can get within 20 feet (6 meters) of the thundering Niagara Falls for an experience that feels like the inside of a tropical storm with torrents of water cascading down and winds up to 68 mph (109 kph). Safe to say, you’ll probably get wet.
The Basics
A Cave of the Winds tour is a must for those who want to experience Niagara Falls up close. Though the cave that once existed behind Bridal Veil Falls is no longer, the site now features wooden observation decks that allow visitors to experience the powerful, thundering water. The journey begins on the US side of the falls, with a 175-foot (53-meter) elevator descent down Niagara Gorge to the level of the Niagara River. From there, visitors can venture onto the aptly named Hurricane Deck or keep their distance on a platform 150 feet (46 meters) from the base of the falls.
For an in-depth experience, combine your Cave of the Winds tour with a ride on the famed Maid of the Mist boat or a trip to Prospect Point Observation Tower. A half-day tour of Niagara’s American side allows visitors to explore highlights such as Goat Island and the Mighty Whirlpool, while a full-day tour also features Canadian attractions such as Skylon Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours to Cave of the Winds depart from Goat Island in New York on the US side of the falls.
- You will get very wet when experiencing the Cave of the Winds—be sure to use the provided rain poncho, and consider bringing a light jacket and change of clothes.
- Cave of the Winds has a deck set 150 feet (46 meters) from the falls that is specifically designed for wheelchair users and adults with small kids.
How to Get There
Niagara Falls State Park is located along the US–Canada border. To get there, most visitors fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport or drive in on Interstate 90. Cave of the Winds tours leave from Goat Island, roughly 15 minutes by road from Niagara Falls, New York. All-day parking is available on Goat Island for a small fee. Most full-day and half-day tour options include pickup from local hotels.
When to Get There
Cave of the Winds only operates from May through November, as the wooden walkways and decks are taken down in late autumn to prevent potential damage from ice and snow. The site is open daily from 9am to 7:30pm; opt for an early visit to avoid crowds.
History and Legend
The original Cave of the Winds was a naturally formed cave behind Bridal Veil Falls. Discovered in 1834, it was first named Aeolus' Cave after the Greek god of winds. The cave was roughly 130 feet (40 meters) high, 100 feet (30 meters) wide, and 30 feet (9 meters) in depth, but in 1954, it was destroyed by a rock slide caused by a nearby dynamite explosion.
Address: Cave of the Winds, Niagara Falls, NY, USA
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Adult: $7; Child (Ages 6-12): $5
From $ 100
Catskills
Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend or want to immerse yourself in outdoor adventure, antique shops and B&Bs, the Catskills provide an excellent destination choice. Made up of Greene, Delaware, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, the Catskills' regions each come with their own unique offerings. If you're coming from New York City, the closest county is Ulster, which includes the famous eclectic arts town of Woodstock and is full of hiking trails and nature areas such as Catskills Park and the Shawangunk Mountains.
In Sullivan County, spend some time kayaking and fishing on the Delaware River, or play a few rounds of golf at the Concord Resort & Golf Club. Expert tip: Make sure to stop in the Dancing Cat Saloon and Catskills Distilling Company for some unusual spirits (think buckwheat-based "whiskey"), as well as a menu of spirits-infused food. If you're looking for mountains and skiing, Greene County has Belleayre Mountain, Windham Mountain and Hunter Mountain, home to one of the world's highest and longest ziplines. And in Delaware, the farthest Catskills area from NYC, antique shops fill the towns and rural landscapes are prevalent. This is a popular area for hunting, fishing and bird-watching, with over 200 species to look out for.
Practical Info
For the best Catskills experience, rent a car and spend some time in each county. The trip is about 90 minutes from New York City and allows you to explore the many varied experiences of the destination. If you must take public transportation, you can take Amtrak, Shortline Bus or Adirondack/Pine Hill Trailways right into the Catskills.
Address: New York, USA
From $ 125
Golden Gate Bridge
No traveler to San Francisco leaves without checking out the stunning views along the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic, red-orange suspension bridge rises high above the San Francisco Bay and spans 1.7 miles (2.7 km) across, connecting the city’s northernmost point to Marin County. While it’s a major route for Bay Area commuters, the famous landmark attracts visitors from around the world with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin headlands, Alcatraz, and San Francisco.
The Basics
The Golden Gate Bridge is free to walk and bike across, with a protected, shared walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. Travelers can walk, bike, or bus across the bridge; sail or cruise the waters below it; or fly high above the attraction aboard a seaplane. Visitors can take advantage of photo opportunities on either end of the bridge, enjoy a scenic stroll over the bay, or explore the Welcome Center at the San Francisco terminus to learn about the bridge’s history and shop for souvenirs. It’s possible to combine your visit with sightseeing in the city; admission to Alcatraz; a half-day tour in Sonoma and Napa Valley; or hikes in Marin or on Angel Island. Popular sights in Marin County include seaside Sausalito, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Muir Woods National Monument, home to Northern California redwood trees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tour options are available from San Francisco and Sausalito, and range from leisurely outings to athletic excursions.
- Most tours depart from Fisherman’s Wharf in the city and last three to four hours.
- Choose a bike tour or a hop on, hop off bus around the city for a scenic ride to the bridge. You’ll catch many of the city's famous attractions, including Union Square, North Beach, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Russian Hill.
- While it’s possible to rent a bike on your own, a guide can help you navigate the hilly streets and commuter traffic.
- Many travelers opt for a guided bike ride across the bridge to Sausalito, then explore the town on your own with a 24-hour bike rental or hop on a 45-minute ferry back to the city.
How to Get There
The San Francisco end of the bridge is located in the Presidio and can be reached from all parts of the city by car or public transportation. The bridge forms part of US Route 101 and California State Route 1—take any bridge-bound Golden Gate Transit bus to the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. By car, take the last San Francisco exit, right before the toll plaza, and park in the southeast parking lot.
Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
With scenic lookout points on both ends of the Golden Gate, you can pick your backdrop. Capture the bridge in its entirety on a coastal walking tour through San Francisco’s Presidio, where you’ll spot beautiful bridge views from vantage points at Crissy Field, Fort Point, and Baker Beach. To snap a photo from the north end of the bridge, choose a tour that crosses the bridge to the Marin Headlands. While Vista Point is the most popular bridge viewing spot in Marin, it can get crowded with cars, so take a short hike toward Battery Point and Slacker Hill for sweeping views of the city.
Address: Fort Point Lookout Marine Drive, San Francisco, California 94129, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free to walk, bridge tolls apply when driving.
From $ 10
Cathedral Rock
Urban centers like New York and Chicago tend to get the most cred for their scenic skylines, but Cathedral Rock, in the heart of Arizona’s peaceful Sedona, has inched towards fame with its picturesque natural skyline, where towering vibrant red rocks meet clear blue sky.
Located in Coconino National Forest, the steep ascent to this famous land formation draws travelers in search of a challenging hike, clear desert air, breathtaking views and wide-open space. And while the trail is only a short 1.5 miles, a quick 600-feet elevation change means parts of the passage can be a real scramble. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a serious climb with views that are truly worth it.
Located in Coconino National Forest, the steep ascent to this famous land formation draws travelers in search of a challenging hike, clear desert air, breathtaking views and wide-open space. And while the trail is only a short 1.5 miles, a quick 600-feet elevation change means parts of the passage can be a real scramble. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a serious climb with views that are truly worth it.
Practical Info
Cathedral Rock is in Coconico National Forest off of Arizona Route 179. It’s accessible from the Back O’Beyond trailhead and parking is limited.
Address: Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Sedona, AZ, USA
From $ 50
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop (Home of Pawn Stars)
The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas is the star of one of the History Channel’s most popular shows, Pawn Stars. The cast members, and real life owners and operators of the shop, are Rick, the Old Man, Big Hoss and Chumlee, who are known for buying and appraising collectors items, including historic firearms, antique toys, classic cars and much more. A Pawn Stars Tour of Las Vegas is the best way to see the shop and other filming locations from the show. Tour groups can skip the line, get VIP access to the stars, and even see the show getting filmed.
Practical Info
The Pawn Stars tour is a half-day experience that includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, along with other filming locations like the Toy Shack and the Carroll Shelby Museum. Hotel pickup and transportation is provided.
Address: 713 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, USA
Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Tours start at $79.99 per person.
From $ 44
Gone with the Wind Museum
The Gone with the Wind Museum in Marietta, Georgia, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the epic novel-turned-movie. Though small, the museum’s rare signature items and memorabilia celebrate the iconic tale and 1939 film. A top piece is the Bengaline silk honeymoon gown worn by Vivien Leigh, who portrayed Scarlett O’Hara in the film.
The Basics
Opened in 2003, the Gone with the Wind Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts from Gone with the Wind. Memorabilia from the iconic film lines the halls, and the exhibits transport visitors back to the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. In addition to Leigh’s gown, noteworthy objects include author Margaret Mitchell’s personal copies of the novel, rare publicity pieces, and the personal script of an actress in the film. The gift store sells collector’s items—and, of course, copies of Gone with the Wind.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is an absolute must for Gone with the Wind fans as well as those with an interest in antebellum Georgia history. It’s not the best choice for children, who may find it uninteresting.
- Plan to spend roughly an hour visiting the museum.
- Student and senior discounts are available.
- The museum doesn’t have food services but there are restaurants within walking distance.
How to Get There
The museum is located inside of Brumby Hall and Gardens near downtown Marietta, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from downtown Atlanta. Driving is recommended, and there is free on-site parking. If traveling by public transportation from downtown Atlanta, make your way to the Marietta Transfer Center and then take bus 15.
When to Get There
The Gone with the Wind Museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. Check the museum calendar for special events and exhibits. Visit early to beat the crowds.
Gone with the Wind in Atlanta
Gone with the Wind Museum visits are self-guided unless scheduled ahead for groups of 15 people or more. For a more comprehensive Gone with the Wind experience, look for tours that bundle admission to the museum with other attractions like the Margaret Mitchell House and the location of the original 1939 movie premiere.
Address: 18 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
González-Alvarez House (Oldest House Museum)
St Augustine has grown up and around the González-Alvarez House, and so the home stands as an architectural time capsule of the city’s evolution. The two-story coquina stone house, built in the years after the English burned the city in 1702, is now a registered National Landmark with elements that typify the city’s varied occupants. Early Spanish colonial elements such as the house’s orientation to take advantage of winds and tabby floors—blend with later changes. A second story was added during the British colonial period, and a framed second floor porch and glass windows were included during the second Spanish period prior to statehood.
Though archaeological evidence suggests the site has been occupied since the 1600s, the current home dates to the early 1700s. Its “oldest house in America” title has been contested and has since reverted to the “oldest surviving Spanish colonial house in Florida.” Regardless, visitors to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House will find plenty of unique historical elements here including some of its resident’s possessions: chipped Romanesque statues, simple wooden furniture, clothing, an ornately carved four-poster bed and a British tea setting. Outside, a replica coquina colonial kitchen features a brick hearth and period cooking implements. The larger Oldest House Museum Complex includes an ornamental garden and two separate museum buildings: the Mauncy Museum detailing the history of the country’s oldest city, and the Page L. Edwards Gallery’s rotating exhibits.
Practical Info
Two blocks from the Mantanzas River, the González-Alvarez is located in Central St Augustine at 14 St Francis Street. The Oldest House Museum Complex is open daily from 10am-5pm; 25 minute long guided tours run on the half-hour with the final tour departing at 4:30pm.
The other buildings under the complex’s umbrella are located around the corner on Charlotte Street. All are included in the $8 adult and $4 student admission. Family packages are available.
Address: 14 St Francis Street, St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $8; Students: $4
From $ 28
Centennial Olympic Park
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games live on at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre site that remains one of the city’s premiere public park spaces. The park's main icon—and one of Georgia’s most photographed landmarks—would be the Fountain of Rings, an interactive play area that uses computer-controlled lights and jets of water to display the Olympic Rings. The fountain water show is synchronized to music, and in the warmest months, kids—and even adults—run through the jets to cool off.
Also noteworthy are the park's stone paths, comprised of inscribed, dedicated bricks that line the walkways. The bricks, bought by Atlanta and Georgia natives, as well as by people all over the world, even helped fund the games in 1996. The city hosts an online brick-locator tool to help people find their own bricks or those of friends and family. The dedicated ones make up a significant portion of the nearly 800,000 bricks used to build the park. A multitude of events, including concerts and a large Fourth of July celebration, take place at the park every year.
Practical Info
Centennial Olympic Park is located in downtown Atlanta near a variety of attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center and the World of Coca-Cola. A self-guided stroll through is the best way to experience the park, which is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. There are no entrances fees.
Address: 265 Park Avenue West NW, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hours: Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
From $ 10
Goblin Valley State Park
When you first enter the dry expanse of Goblin Valley State Park, you’d be forgiven for looking out and thinking there’s really nothing there. Upon closer inspection of the landscape, however, you realize this empty desert void is filled with a curious, geologic beauty that’s equal parts captivating and strange. Here in the middle of the Great Basin Desert—miles from seemingly everywhere—sandstone spires referred to goblins rise silently up from the Earth. Carved by 170 million years of wind and water erosion, this mushroom dotted, light brown landscape is an inland sea of boulders and pinnacles seemingly frozen in time. Discovered only in the 1920s by ranchers looking for cattle, the site is now protected as part of a fascinating Utah State Park. Walk amidst the towering spires and look at the striated lines, where millennia of torment from nature’s fury have formed what we see today. Or, to spend an evening amidst the hoodoos and beneath a banner of stars, reserve a spot at the desert campground where the enveloping silence of the Martian landscape helps you drift off to sleep.
Practical Info
Goblin Valley State Park is located one hour from Green River and 50 minutes from Hanksville. The visitor center is open daily from 8am-5pm, and admission is $7/car and $16 for a campsite. Temperatures in summer can top 100 degrees, so be sure to pack water, snacks, and supplies if venturing out on the trails.
Address: Green River, Utah 84525, USA
Hours: The visitor center is open daily from 8am-5pm.
Admission: $7/car and $16 for a campsite
From $ 149
Golden Gate Park
The 1,000-plus acres (412 hectares) of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park are home to museums, picnic sites, lakes, golf, hiking and biking paths, concerts, and more. From the attraction-laden east end to the wilder west side where bison roam, the park offers plenty of ways to relax, get a culture fix, exercise, or gather with friends.
The Basics
Sitting between the Richmond and Sunset districts, Golden Gate Park stretches about 50 blocks across San Francisco from Ocean Beach on the western edge to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences are the two main cultural institutions (with entrance fees) and sit conveniently near each other at the Music Concourse. The Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden, Shakespeare Garden, National AIDS Memorial Grove, and Stow Lake are other popular attractions in this tourist-heavy section of the park. Moving west toward the Pacific Ocean, the park spreads out with more trails (both paved and dirt), a 9-hole golf course, disc golf, meadows that host annual music festivals, windmills, and even a bison paddock. Park Segway tours and bike rentals are the top ways to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free street parking is available around the park in some locations, and a parking garage is set near the de Young and California Academy of Sciences.
- John F. Kennedy Drive is closed on Sundays and holidays from Kezar Drive to Transverse Drive. It’s also closed on Saturdays from April through September from 8th Avenue to Transverse Drive.
- Roads inside the park close occasionally for special events; signs will be posted.
- Food and drinks can be found at the de Young Café, the Beach Chalet, the California Academy Café, and the Stow Lake Boathouse, as well as at snack stands.
How to Get There
The No. 5 bus on the city’s Muni network stops at entrances to the park on the northern edge, along Fulton Street. Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles are allowed to pull up in front of the de Young and California Academy of Sciences for drop-off only.
When to Get There
San Francisco offers mild weather most of the year, so the park is enjoyable nearly every day (just be sure to wear layers). Music lovers may want to visit for the annual Outside Lands Music Festival in August or the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in October. Beware the city’s famous fog, affectionately known as Karl, which rolls in from the ocean in July and August, giving San Francisco its chilly summers.
The Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock
The most unusual thing about this city park is its bison paddock, home to a herd of American bison since the 1890s. Stumbling upon the animals is a delightful surprise for many visitors who make it to the western section of the park. To find the meadow, head along John F. Kennedy Drive just west of Spreckels Lake. Hopefully you’ll catch them near the fence, but know that they’re not always in view.
Address: Fell and Stanyan Streets, San Francisco 94118, USA
Hours: Daily. Closed (except for through traffic) 10pm-6am
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Cathedral of St John the Divine
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the oldest buildings in Morningside Heights (a neighborhood in Manhattan’s Upper West Side) and is the home of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. The historic cathedral is not only one of the oldest buildings in the area – it’s one of the most secretive. A tour through the cathedral yields the perceptive visitor many visual treasures, from a rare gold triptych by Keith Haring (his last work before his death) to an unusual sculpture of the Archangel Michael, the decapitated head of Satan, and nine giraffes (!).
The cathedral is home the largest rose window in the United States (the fifth-largest in the world), constructed from 10,000 stained-glass pieces. Other stained-glass windows depict historic, religious, and modern scenes. The cathedral is also one of the few buildings in Manhattan that allows visitors to access its roof, which provides a fantastic view of the New York City skyline. Visitors may also walk through the cathedral’s ‘biblical garden,’ where all the plants are species mentioned in the bible, and check out the peacocks, the impressive fountain, and the honeybees.
Practical Info
Please note that there is limited access to the cathedral on Sundays – full access is only between 1 and 3 p.m. The grounds and gardens are open during daylight hours. The cathedral is wheelchair accessible from the upper driveway, on Amsterdam Avenue between 111th and 112th streets. Lifts inside provide access to eastern areas of the Cathedral.
Address: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York City, New York, USA 10025, USA
Hours: The cathedral is open 7:30am-6pm daily. The visitors’ center is open 9am-5pm daily.
From $ 29
Centennial Park
All of America’s great cities have a fantastic urban park. New York’s Central Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and Nashville’s Centennial Park.
The lush green landscape provides a needed escape from the towering skyscrapers and bustling city life. The most notable, and possibly most out-of-place feature of the park is the Parthenon replica, built to scale. Commissioned for Nashville’s celebration of the nation’s 100th birthday, it also commemorates Nashville’s reputation as the “Athens of the South” because of its many universities and arts scene.
Don’t just admire this architectural feat from the outside, the builders took this replica project to its fullest extent. According to Ancient Greek history, the Parthenon was built to house an ivory and gold statue built by Phidias to honor the goddess. Its size can’t be described as anything but breath-taking, and it’s mind-blowing to think about this being built during the B.C. era.
In Nashville, Centennial Park also serves as a prime outdoor venue for all kinds of community events. From outdoor movie screenings in the bandstand, concerts, bike festivals, swing dancing Saturday nights, Americana arts showcases, and Shakespeare performances, there’s always something exciting going on. Joggers, volleyball players, and more take advantage of the facilities as well. Take an afternoon to feed the ducks in the lake, grab a sno-cone, and people watch at this picturesque urban park.
The lush green landscape provides a needed escape from the towering skyscrapers and bustling city life. The most notable, and possibly most out-of-place feature of the park is the Parthenon replica, built to scale. Commissioned for Nashville’s celebration of the nation’s 100th birthday, it also commemorates Nashville’s reputation as the “Athens of the South” because of its many universities and arts scene.
Don’t just admire this architectural feat from the outside, the builders took this replica project to its fullest extent. According to Ancient Greek history, the Parthenon was built to house an ivory and gold statue built by Phidias to honor the goddess. Its size can’t be described as anything but breath-taking, and it’s mind-blowing to think about this being built during the B.C. era.
In Nashville, Centennial Park also serves as a prime outdoor venue for all kinds of community events. From outdoor movie screenings in the bandstand, concerts, bike festivals, swing dancing Saturday nights, Americana arts showcases, and Shakespeare performances, there’s always something exciting going on. Joggers, volleyball players, and more take advantage of the facilities as well. Take an afternoon to feed the ducks in the lake, grab a sno-cone, and people watch at this picturesque urban park.
Address: Nashville, TN, USA
From $ 20
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul
Set on the east corner of Logan Circle, this elegant 1864 cathedral is the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and the largest brownstone structure in Philadelphia. Built at the height of anti-Catholic fervor in the city, the unusually high windows of this Roman-Corinthian church were designed to discourage stone-throwing and other acts of vandalism.
Prominent local architect Napoleon LeBrun designed the 2,000-seat basilica and its Palladian facade, and interior frescoes were painted by Constantino Brumidi, an artist famous for his work in the U.S. Capitol Building. The crypt beneath the main altar contains the remains of Philadelphia’s bishops and archbishops, the first of whom died in 1810.
Address: 1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am–4pm; Sat 9am-5:15pm; Sun 8am–6:30pm
From $ 32
Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach, founded in 1963, specializes in global art, primarily from the Renaissance period on. The museum is located in the 1930s Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center and includes traveling exhibitions from national and international collections to contribute to the cultural activities available in the area. A large expansion took place between 1998 and 2002, more than doubling its size from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet, and more expansions are planned.
There is a year-round calendar of contemporary exhibitions, artists’ projects, educational programs, lectures, workshops and concerts at the museum. Don’t miss the Art History Lab, a spot that mixes different works of art from various eras in art history to create visual and thematic relationships between them. Pieces are displayed in a “salon style” format as well, so visitors can perhaps also consider the connections between art created in different countries at different points in time.
Practical Info
The Bass Museum of Art is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 5pm. On Friday night, the museum stays open until 9pm. The site is located at 2100 Collins Avenue, between 21st and 22nd streets. Photos are permitted in most exhibitions, but ask the front desk personnel to verify which are approved.
Address: 2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Hours: Wed-Sun from noon until 5pm. Friday nights open until 9pm.
Admission: Adults $8
From $ 40